How to look after orchids

Orchids are one of the most beautiful groups of flowering plants. They make a popular decor piece in many of our homes. But figuring out how to look after orchids doesn't have to be intimidating. When properly looked after, they bloom in an array of vibrant colours and they aren't as high maintenance as you might think.

We've put together this guide to help you get the most out of your houseplants. Whether you're wondering how to keep orchids alive, or you need advice on caring for an orchid after it blooms, we're here to help. Our straightforward tips will ensure you feel confident and ready to help your plants thrive.

• Orchids thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and highly humid environments like windowsills or well-lit bathrooms.

• You should water your orchid every 7 to 11 days and mist the leaves every two to three days to maintain hydration without causing root rot.

• Repotting requires a clear plastic pot, bark-based orchid compost, and removing any dead roots to keep the plant healthy and promote future flowering.

The history of orchids

Orchids are one of the most ancient plant groups with a history spanning millions of years. They exist on almost every habitat on earth in the form of 28,000 species, initially being used for medicinal purposes around 4000 years ago in China and Japan. They also have a culinary history in ancient Greek and Aztec culture, and have become symbols of love, fertility and friendship in many Asian regions.

How to care for orchids indoors

Getting your indoor setup right is the first step to success. Orchids are particularly fond of humid environments. This means keeping them inside is a brilliant idea. When deciding where to put your plant, remember that they like bright light. A windowsill is a great spot. But make sure to keep them out of direct, harsh sunlight for too long so the delicate leaves don't burn.

Overwatering can bring an early end to your plant as it often leads to root rot, which damages the health of the flower. To avoid this, use a clear plastic pot. It’ll let you see exactly how much water is settling in the soil.

How to repot an orchid

Repotting your orchid is really easy. It’ll help keep the roots healthy and give the plant room to grow. You'll need a clean, clear plastic pot, some specialist compost, and a sharp pair of hand pruners. Avoid terracotta pots entirely, as orchid roots easily attach themselves to the porous clay surface, making future repotting much more difficult.

First, gently remove the plant from its current pot. Clean any old compost off the roots. Using your hand pruners, carefully trim away any dead, shrivelled, or mushy roots. Then place the healthy roots into your new plastic pot.

How to feed orchids

Having the right compost is key for helping the longevity of your plant. Orchids thrive most when air is able to circulate around their roots, making bark-based compost a great option. It’s best to go for any product named ‘orchid compost’ or ‘pine bark’.

When it comes to fertilisers, orchids don’t rely on this as much as many other house plants. When you do want to use a fertiliser though, go for a product specifically formulated for orchids

How to water orchids

Orchids love warm water. They actually thrive in fresh rainwater. We recommend watering your plant every 7 to 11 days. To help keep the leaves moist, use a simple spray bottle to mist them every two to three days. This prevents repeated overwatering while giving the plant the ambient humidity it craves.

How to prune orchids

When your plant drops its beautiful blooms, you might wonder what to do next. Orchid care after flowering is all about patience and a little light maintenance. Orchids don't need heavy pruning. You only need to give them a light trim when necessary.

When pruning to reflower, you should cut off the stem half an inch below the second node. Make sure to place the plant back in bright, indirect sunlight. This gives it enough energy to grow a new stem. In roughly six weeks, a new stalk will begin to grow from the cut. Caring for an orchid after it blooms means continuing your regular watering and misting routine.

Different care methods for different orchids

Not all orchids are exactly the same. Figuring out how to take care of orchids means knowing what specific type you have sitting on your windowsill and how to care for it. We've broken down the care methods for the most popular types.

Moth orchids

The Moth Orchid is the most common variety you'll find. You can easily tell when they need watering just by looking at their roots through the clear pot. If the roots are green, they're hydrated enough. But if they turn grey, they're dry and need some water.

Dendrobrium orchids

Dendrobium orchids prefer slightly different conditions. They enjoy much brighter light than Moth Orchids, so a bright south-facing window is ideal. During their active growing phase in the summer, they need plenty of water and occasional feeding. But in the winter, you must reduce watering significantly to let them rest.

Cymbidium orchids

Cymbidium orchid care involves ensuring a distinct drop between day and night temperatures to initiate flowering. They also prefer a slightly richer potting mix. You can mix standard orchid bark with peat moss to keep them happy.

How to water orchids

Orchids are great house plants, and they’re the perfect choice for those beginning their indoor plant journey. They can yield beautiful results with not much fuss and are extremely perseverant. With little orchid care needed, they’ll bloom regularly too, so you can enjoy them throughout the year. Looking to grow some more plants? Check out our Garden Calendar to see when to start.

Orchid care FAQs

Orchids are not poisonous to cats and are considered to be non-toxic. If ingested, they can cause stomach issues and mild sickness but are generally not anything to worry about.

Don't worry, this is a natural part of their cycle. Continue your normal watering routine. To encourage new growth, use clean hand pruners to cut the stem half an inch below the second node.

Depending on the species, orchids can live for as long as 15-20 years with good care and attention. When they flower, a bloom will last for 2-3 months and this usually happens twice a year.

Yellow leaves are often a clear sign of overwatering. Check your clear plastic pot to see if the roots are sitting in water. If they are, reduce your watering schedule immediately and ensure the pot has good drainage.

Keep your plant in bright, indirect sunlight and maintain a humid environment. Feeding it occasionally with a specialist orchid fertiliser will also give it the extra energy it needs to flower again.